# exterminate

/ɪkˈstɝməˌneɪt/ (US) · /ɛkstˈɜːmɪnˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/exterminate
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

to kill all the members of a group of animals or insects. It is a strong word often used when talking about getting rid of pests or, in history, about killing a whole group of people.

For teachers: to destroy or kill all members of a species or group. Often carries a strong connotation of total annihilation, frequently used in biological contexts regarding pest control or in historical contexts regarding genocide.

## Examples

- The farmer used a special spray to exterminate the locusts.
- The government launched a campaign to exterminate the invasive species that were destroying the local crops.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.